We Reached a Milestone — And We're Gaining Momentum!

🎉 Supporter Milestone Reached: We surpassed 1,000 supporters ahead of our Village informational meeting and are now over 1,300 strong!
📰 Media Attention: Multiple news outlets covered our efforts, and many local residents were interviewed, helping spread awareness across the region.
 
Highlights from the Village Informational Meeting

🏛️ New Leadership Shows Transparency & Commitment:

• The meeting was led by Village Manager Tim Price and Village President April Brandon, both newly appointed to their roles.
• They inherited these longstanding issues from the previous local administration and are working to address them with transparency and professionalism.
• Mr. Price opened the meeting by affirming a shared goal: a safe dam and Mill Pond — if that’s what the community wants.

📍 Legal Lake Option:

• The Village believes the next best step is pursuing designation as a Legal Lake.
• In Holly, Michigan, a legal lake is a body of water officially established and regulated under state law. This designation allows for:

1. Formal oversight and management
2. Public funding mechanisms
3. Petition-driven action via the Water Resources Commission, whose representative was present at the meeting

⚠️ Dam Repairs Identified:

• Repairs are needed for the spillway dam, berm, and the powerhouse dam (stoppage).
• These would be included in the legal lake process and must align with safety regulations.

🤝 Shared Responsibility:

• Mr. Price stated that the Mill Pond is considered a shared asset between the Village of Holly and Rose Township.
• Rose Township Trustees, during their own public comments, agreed they are in this together with the Village, signaling a cooperative path forward.

🏛️ Preserving Historic Value:

• Dave Decker, Chair of the Oakland County Historical Society, spoke on the cultural importance of mills, calling them community foundations.
• He validated the historical details in our petition and encouraged us to seek county support for preservation and potential public display depending on what is unearthed during repair or reconstruction.
• He called mill ponds "place-making," central to a community’s identity and history.

🗣️ Community Voices & Political Support:

Over 100 residents attended and voiced their concerns, including:

• Water levels, private wells, and scenic preservation
• Alternative dam repair options
• Fundraising and seeking state aid

Commissioner Bob Hoffman spoke in strong support of saving the Mill Pond.

He questioned EGLE about any possible hidden agenda or policy aimed at dam removal in Michigan.
Luke Trumble, Dam Safety Supervisor from EGLE, responded by saying:

There is no policy to remove dams, but EGLE enforces safety compliance.
If the Village does not comply, enforcement will escalate, and economic feasibility is often the deciding factor.
 
Next Steps & Call to Action:

🧩 Forming a Dam Committee:

The Village is initiating a Dam Committee to guide this process, including surveys and expert assistance.

💰 Village Financial Constraints:

• The Village cannot cover the cost alone.
• We must engage state lawmakers and push for broader support.

🙌 Thanks to Proactive Leadership:

A heartfelt thank you to April Brandon, Tim Price, and Bob Hoffman for stepping up with action and accountability.

📢 How You Can Help:

• Email the decision-makers listed on this petition — your voice matters!
• Share the petition far and wide — locally and nationwide.
• We need more signatures, more visibility, and more action. Let’s keep the momentum going and protect our Mill Pond and its legacy.

To watch the full Village Informational Meeting from May 27th click here.